NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Mavs get two picks in the top 5? Let us explain

Dirk Nowitzki threw something as he watched the NBA Draft lottery

Dallas Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki, who is still recovering from ankle surgery, prepares for his annual charity baseball game, and shares his reaction to the Dallas Mavericks' slot in the NBA Draft.

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Dallas Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki, who is still recovering from ankle surgery, prepares for his annual charity baseball game, and shares his reaction to the Dallas Mavericks' slot in the NBA Draft.

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NBA trade rumors are all the rage right now.

One rumor that has been confirmed by multiple outlets is that the Memphis Grizzlies are shopping their No. 4 pick. The catch is that any potential suitor must also take on forward Chandler Parsons and his albatross of a contract that carries a cap hit of just over $24 million for this season and the next.

Mike Fisher of 247Sports.com reported that the Mavericks are interested in a potential deal with the Grizzlies, Parsons' contract and all. Dallas has the necessary cap room to shoulder that fiscal burden.

Getting rid of Parsons gives Memphis the cap room they reportedly desire to chase a major free agent and make a playoff run next season (both Marc Gasol and Mike Conley are set to return from major injuries).

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But it's highly likely that Dallas would have to give up either Harrison Barnes or the team's first-round pick in next year's draft (one that is also likely to land in the lottery). Reports have stated the Mavericks refuse to include Barnes as part of the deal, even if it might be to their benefit in the long run.

But for the sake of this exercise, let's say Mark Cuban and his front office decide to roll the dice on a deal where the Mavericks send an unprotected first-round pick in next year's draft in return for the Grizzlies' No. 4 pick this year, along with Parsons and his contract.

By executing that swap, the Mavericks are able to address their needs on the offensive and defensive end of the court.

1. Phoenix Suns, Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona, 7-0, 260 pounds

He's been in this slot in all of our mock drafts and pretty much every expert has him going No. 1, too.

2. Sacramento Kings, Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke, 6-11, 235

This is where things take a turn. Oddsmakers have Luka Doncic as the favorite, but the odds of this downtrodden franchise zigging when everyone expects them to zag continues their trend of questionable personnel decisions.

3. Atlanta Hawks, Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State, 6-11, 240

He might have failed the "Wolf of Wall Street" test at the combine. But his ability to further develop a two-way game in the paint and away from the basket outweigh his inconsistent motor.

4. Dallas Mavericks, Luka Doncic, SG, Real Madrid, 6-7, 220

He's exactly the offensive weapon the Mavericks need. And despite his weaknesses, fans have to be giddy about pairing the native Slovenian with Dirk Nowitzki on and off the court.

5. Dallas Mavericks, Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas, 7-0, 215

Our own Mac Engel eloquently put forth the argument against drafting the Texas Longhorns product. However, if they get Doncic, adding Bamba and his elite defensive skills makes sense.

You could probably count the number of mocks that don't have the 76ers taking Bridges on one hand. He might also have the opportunity to learn from J.J. Reddick, if the pending free agent takes a pay cut.

11. Charlotte Hornets, Miles Bridges, PF, Michigan State, 6-7, 225

The franchise should make the painful decision to trade All-Star guard Kemba Walker. But new general manager Mitch Kupchak is aggressive and will look to find a more NBA-ready player at an equally pressing position of need.

Ideally, there would be a replacement available for the likely departure of Julius Randle in free agency. It's also possible that Magic Johnson is counting on free agency to bring in reinforcements at forward.

26. Philadelphia 76ers, Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA, 6-1, 185

Holiday had a solid college career for the Bruins. He will become the backup point guard the 76ers needed in their 2018 playoff series against the Celtics.

27. Boston Celtics, Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova, 6-2, 200

Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart could both be gone by this time next year. Head coach Brad Stevens will have no trouble coaching this four-year college starter.

28. Golden State Warriors, Troy Brown, SF, Oregon, 6-7, 210

For the second year in a row this franchise takes a high-potential forward from Oregon. Brown was a five-star recruit who didn't get much of a chance to shine on a middling Ducks team.

29. Brooklyn Nets (from TOR), Devonte' Graham, PG, Kansas, 6-2. 180

D'Angelo Russell needs a backup not named Jeremy Lin or Spencer Dinwiddie. He could make for an excellent point guard on a second unit.